Guilty

Japanese full-length release from Ayumi Hamasaki. Comes with single tracks, 'Glitter', 'Talkin'2myself' & more! Comes with photo book. Avex. 2008. Album Description

Quite the non-guilty listening experience

GUILTY is my introduction to Ayumi Hamasaki's music but not my first exposure to J-Pop/Rock. I watch a lot of Anime and look forward to the opening and closing credit songs just as much as the stories themselves -- and sometimes that's all I end up liking! Sure, there's a language barrier here for me but that's never detered me from enjoying an artist before. It's carried in the voice and musicianship that the heart of the music beats clearest and I hear real passion in Ayumi's songs and voice. In fact, she sounds eerily familiar to me so I wouldn't be at all surprised if I've indeed heard her voice before!

I'm not yet familiar with her other releases but from what I've read this is more rock influenced than prior works with metal riffs intersperced in lovely, harmonic melodies; "Talkin 2 Myself" and "Marionette" being my two personal favorites. GUILTY is also said to be a more personal album for the singer as heavily felt (and without even understanding the words) in gorgeous, emotional ballads like "Fated" and "Together When..." that deal with the death of a close friend and traumatically going deaf in one ear. The overall feel is not all serious and dramatic, though. There's several tracks that are uplifting and filled with a fun sort of energy she seems to be known for the best; most notably, "My All".

GUILTY isn't flawless by any means but I find myself enjoying this album very much and recommend Ayumi Hamasaki if you like J-Pop music with a rock edge to it. But of course if you (like me) can't afford these ridiculous import prices, most of her CDs can be found on iTunes. June 11, 2008

Ayu does it again?

Wow...just wow...I imported this not knowing what to expect but it's great. Guilty is ver rock influenced and you'll hear it in most of the songs. I think the songs are great. I can honestly say there's no song on the album I dislike. This album proves why she the called "The Empress of J-Pop" She has produced another top quality album that will be in your CD player till you wear it out. January 9, 2008

She ROCK

Ayu turns into ROCK totally this time.
She once claimed that rock is her favorite genre, and she fulfils her words by "GUILTY"
The album is highly completed, from the first song to the last.
And the conception is obvious: a running-through of Love and Life.
Not only from her lyrics but also from her performance can you feel the power and affection she poured in her singing.
And we can find out that she's no longer a girlish, child-like woman, but a real one.
BTW, she's recently found out(from her post on Team Ayu) having her left ear deaf, no cure. It's really a sad news, but she is strong and optimistic. Do feel her effort from "GUILTY"!!!!!!
January 6, 2008

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